PERSPECTIVES OF PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS ARCTIC MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME (AMAP) (Submitted by Lars-Otto Reiersen)

Transcription

1 WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PANEL OF EXPERTS ON POLAR OBSERVATIONS, RESEARCH AND SERVICES Fifth session EC-PORS-5/INF. 18 Date: 31.0I.2014 AGENDA ITEM: 4 Wellington, New Zealand, February 25 28, 2014 PERSPECTIVES OF PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS ARCTIC MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME (AMAP) (Submitted by Lars-Otto Reiersen) DECISIONS/ACTIONS REQUIRED: The Panel is invited to consider new and ongoing AMAP activities. CONTENT OF DOCUMENT: Report to the Ministerial meeting in May Includes the workplan for all the working groups and Task Forces under the Arctic Council for

2 Senior Arctic Officials Report to Ministers KIRUNA, SWEDEN 15 MAY 2013

3 Arctic Council 2013 Arctic Council Secretariat Fram Centre N-9296 Tromsø Norway Cover photo: Alexander Gruzdev

4 Introduction The Arctic is changing rapidly. These changes are a source of both challenges and opportunities. Climate change affects not only the environment but all Arctic inhabitants, and especially the traditional way of life and cultures of the indigenous peoples. At the same time, the business community s growing interest in the region may create opportunities for more economically advantageous living conditions. The highest priority of the Swedish chairmanship has been to promote economic, social and environmental sustainability throughout the work of the Arctic Council during these past two years. The Arctic Council has six working groups, several task forces and a number of other subsidiary bodies, all advancing Arctic Council objectives and priorities. Under the Swedish chairmanship, these groups have successfully implemented projects and activities in areas including sustainable development, biodiversity, reduction of emissions and research. In utilising the knowledge and results of scientific research, as well as the traditional knowledge of the Arctic indigenous peoples, the Arctic Council has managed to successfully undertake a large number of activities, all of which will contribute to the continuation and consolidation of the Council s agenda. Efforts have been devoted to strengthening the institutional framework of the Arctic Council. The establishment of a standing secretariat in Tromsø, Norway, in January 2013 is the most important achievement. Several other steps have also been taken. By improving internal and external communications and procedures, the Arctic Council has been able to act more coherently and effectively. Since 2011, the Arctic States have adopted two legally binding agreements negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council. The Council has also focused on undertaking projects that deliver concrete outcomes in the region. Sound science informs good policy decisions. These decisions will increasingly be implemented and followed up to a greater extent than previously. Continued emphasis on implementation and follow-up of Arctic Council decisions should remain a key focus. During the Swedish chairmanship, communications and transparency have been important aspects of the Arctic Council s work. The adoption of the Arctic Council Communication Strategy has created a framework for communicating the Council s work and progress to the public. A new website, which also has a mobile version, has successfully improved outreach. The Arctic Council is and continues to be the primary forum for Arctic cooperation. Since Sweden took over as chair of the Arctic Council at the 2011 Ministerial meeting in Nuuk, several high-level meetings have been held. A Deputy Foreign Ministers meeting was held in Stockholm on 15 May The Senior Arctic Officials and Permanent Participants held four regular meetings: in Luleå on 8 9 November 2011, in Stockholm on March 2012, in Haparanda on November 2012 and in Stockholm on March Informal meetings of the Senior Arctic Officials and Permanent Participants were held in connection with all regular meetings; two additional meetings were held in Tromsø on January 2013 and in Stockholm on April Preparatory Senior Arctic Official meetings were held in Copenhagen on 3 October 2012, in Reykjavik on 8 9 January 2013 and in Svolvaer on 27 February 1 March The Swedish chairmanship met with working group Chairs and Executive Secretaries in Stockholm on September 2011, in Stockholm on March 2012 and in Haparanda on 13 November A meeting was held with the Council of Baltic Sea States, Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers in Stockholm on 29 March 2012 hosted by the Council of Baltic Sea States. Sweden arranged a meeting of Arctic Environment Ministers in Jukkasjärvi on 5 6 February The Swedish Chairmanship arranged a meeting with accredited observers and ad hoc observers in Stockholm on 6 November

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 1 A. Summary report... 4 Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP)... 4 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP)... 4 Conservation of the Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF)... 4 Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR)... 5 Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)... 5 Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG)... 5 Agreement on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Reponse in the Arctic... 6 Task Force for Institutional Issues (TFII)... 6 Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Forcers (SLCF)... 6 Expert Group on Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM)... 6 Arctic Resilience Report (ARR)... 6 Adaptation Action for a Changing Arctic (AACA)... 7 Communication Strategy for the Arctic Council... 7 Project Support Instrument... 7 B. Arctic Council Working Groups: Report on their achievements in and work plans for Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) Conservation of the Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) C. Task Forces and Other Subsidiary Bodies: Report on ahcievements in and work plans for Agreement on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Reponse in the Arctic Task Force on Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Prevention (TFOPP) - New Task Force for Institutional Issues (TFII) Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Forcers (SLCF) Task Force for Action on Black Carbon and Methane (TFBCM) - New Expert Group on Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Arctic Resilience Report (ARR) Adaptation Action for a Changing Arctic (AACA) Part B Task Force to facilitate the Creation of a Circumpolar Business Forum - New

6 10. Project Support Instrument Enhancing Scientific Cooperation in the Arctic - New D. Annexes Revised Arctic Council Rules of Procedure Arctic Council Observer Manual Arctic Council Secretariat Work Plan and Budget for Arctic Council Secretariat Terms of Reference Arctic Council Secretariat Staff Rules Arctic Council Secretariat Financial Rules Roles and Responsibilities for the Arctic Council Secretariat Director Communication Strategy for the Arctic Council

7 A. Summary report ARCTIC CONTAMINANTS ACTION PROGRAM (ACAP) ACAP has developed recommendations on the reduction of dioxin and furan emissions from industrial sources in Russia, as well as successfully completed a project to safely store 7,000 tons of obsolete pesticides in Russia. ACAP s short-lived climate forcer contaminants project steering group was formed in March This group has several projects in various stages of implementation. Projects of special importance are those aimed at reducing black carbon emissions, including black carbon from residential wood combustion and diesel engines. Furthermore, ACAP has five projects targeting mercury reduction within the industry and mining sector in various stages of development. Overall, ACAP has concentrated a majority of its projects in Russia. ACAP has seven project steering committees overseeing the implementation of activities and projects. Forthcoming activities in are 18 individual projects, including projects to reduce various pollutants, waste management, clean technology and energy efficiency. ACAP s scientific work also supports the objectives of a number of international activities and multilateral agreements, such as the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. ARCTIC MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (AMAP) The main achievements of AMAP in the work plan have been the completion of a scientific report on the acidification of the Arctic Ocean the Arctic Ocean Acidification Assessment; the evaluation of the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for scientific purposes in the Arctic region; developed plans for and implemented Phase 1 of the Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic part C, in which priority was given to improvement of predictive capability regarding the impact of climate change and other relevant drivers of change in the Arctic; and the implementation of the AMAP communication strategy. Moreover, AMAP has followed up the Snow, Water, Ice, and Permafrost in the Arctic report and published its overview report. AMAP will continue to coordinate monitoring and research activities and provide information on relevant issues over Assessments of climate change and pollution, update scientific assessment work on short-lived climate forcers, defining safety guidelines for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and the development and implementation of Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks remain high on the agenda. Furthermore, AMAP will continue its cross-cutting cooperation with other working groups in nine different activities and projects and continue to support at least ten international and intergovernmental initiatives such as UNEP s global report on mercury and the EU Framework Programme 7 project ArcRisk. AMAP will also continue to develop its communication and outreach plan, which includes a redesigned website and production of outreach materials, such as films and fact sheets. CONSERVATION OF THE ARCTIC FLORA AND FAUNA (CAFF) During , CAFF completed the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment, which provides the first description of the current state of Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity. It creates a baseline for use in global and regional assessments of biodiversity and provides a platform to inform and guide future Arctic Council work. Under the Canadian chairmanship, CAFF will prepare an implementation plan for the recommendations of the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment. Through the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program, CAFF conducts long-term biodiversity monitoring, data management and reporting, including gathering and rescuing existing data. The Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program will continue the implementation of completed monitoring plans, finish plans in progress, expand networks and continue the development of indicators, indices and biodiversity report cards. CAFF has a broad range of expert groups (including the Circumpolar Seabird expert group and the Circumpolar Flora expert group) who conduct research, provide technical expertise to CAFF projects, and prepare databases, assessments and conservation strategies for particular threat- 4

8 ened species and ecosystems. CAFF will also continue development of the Arctic Biodiversity Data Service, which facilitates access to data and information on Arctic biodiversity. A dynamic Communications Strategy forms the basis of CAFF s overall communication activities. EMERGENCY PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (EPPR) In the current work plan, EPPR has concentrated on two projects: Recommended Practices for the Prevention of Oil Pollution in the Arctic and the Task Force on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response. The first project concerns oil spill prevention and EPPR s support of the Task Force has been through the development of a set of operational guidelines to be attached to the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic. EPPR also conducted an emergency response exercise in June 2012 and an international consequence management training course in October 2012, both of which addressed issues related to responding to a release of radiological material. For , EPPR will continue and develop 14 projects and activities that aim to improve prevention measures, emergency preparedness, response capabilities and information sharing. EPPR will also devise a communication plan. PROTECTION OF THE ARCTIC MARINE ENVIRONMENT (PAME) During the chairmanship the major accomplishments of PAME have been the Arctic Ocean Review report, a follow-up of the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment and the Ecosystem approach to management project. PAME has also initiated a report and possible guidelines on Health, Safety and Environmental Management Systems for Offshore Arctic Oil and Gas, which will be finalised in the second half of 2013 or early For , PAME plans to follow-up on the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment recommendations through nine projects and initiatives. These include identifying opportunities for PAME to engage with international organisations such as providing relevant information to the International Maritime Organisation, as needed, to support its efforts to develop the Polar Code, strengthening passenger ship safety, monitoring and addressing shipping s impact on marine mammals and updating the Arctic ship traffic data. Moreover, PAME will engage in 14 other individual projects and activities such as a follow-up on the Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Guidelines, a follow-up on the relevant recommendations from the Arctic Ocean Review, a revision of the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan and continued work on an Ecosystem Approach to Management. Moreover, PAME proposes to explore the development of a framework of networks of Arctic Marine Protected Areas. PAME will also develop a communication plan. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP (SDWG) In the SDWG has been involved in a total of 17 projects covering six thematic areas including health, socioeconomic issues and adaptation to climate change, energy and communities, management of natural resources, culture and language. SDWG has identified ten projects that have been particularly successful under the Swedish chairmanship. These include: Arctic Social Indicators, Arctic Marine Aviation Transportation Infrastructure Initiative, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business in the Arctic, Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic, Electronic Memory of the Arctic and the Arctic Human Health Initiative. In , the SDWG will continue working on four projects from the previous work plan and engage in four new individual projects, including on gender and equity, and food and water security. Furthermore, the SDWG will work to promote the integration of traditional and local knowledge into the work of the Council, adaptation to change and the development of mental wellness promotion strategies. 5

9 AGREEMENT ON MARINE OIL POLLUTION PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN THE ARCTIC At the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in 2011 the Council decided to establish a Task Force with a mandate to develop an international instrument on Arctic marine oil pollution preparedness and response. The Council also called for the EPPR and other relevant working groups to develop recommendations and/or best practices in the prevention of marine oil pollution. The Task Force concluded its work by elaborating the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic. The Agreement is the second legally binding instrument negotiated under the auspices of the Arctic Council. The signature of the Agreement in Kiruna reaffirms the commitment of those States to enhance their cooperation in addressing emerging issues in the Arctic region. TASK FORCE FOR INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES (TFII) The main objective of the TFII was to implement the Nuuk Ministerial decision to provide the necessary legal framework to establish the Arctic Council Secretariat in Tromsø, Norway. It included developing the terms of reference, staff rules, financial rules, roles and responsibilities of the director, budgets, and initial work plans of the Secretariat (attached as annexes 3-7). The TFII was involved in drafting the Host Country Agreement between Norway and the Secretariat, culminating in its signing in Tromsø in January The Secretariat became operational in February The TFII has also drafted revised Arctic Council Rules of Procedure, which was adopted by Ministers in Kiruna in May 2013 (attached as annex 1). Senior Arctic Officials also requested the TFII to draft the Observer manual to clarify the roles of observers in working groups and other subsidiary bodies. The Observer manual was adopted by Senior Arctic Officials (attached as annex 2). TASK FORCE ON SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE FORCERS (SLCF) The SLCF Task Force has focused its work on black carbon and methane, and has touched upon the connection between methane and tropospheric ozone. The Task Force delivered its first technical report and set of recommendations to the Arctic Council in 2011, focused mainly on black carbon. The Task Force will submit a final short report for policymakers to the Ministerial meeting in Kiruna in May The report will be supported by a technical report that will be released later in The 2013 summary report Recommendations to Reduce Black Carbon and Methane Emissions to Slow Arctic Climate Change will include key messages about the significance of black carbon and methane emissions from Arctic States, an update on black carbon recommendations from 2011 and key mitigation opportunities for methane based on recent analyses. It will also present various opportunities for the Arctic Council to make further progress on SLCF objectives, including engaging with other forums and observer states. The Task Force has cooperated closely with AMAP to capture the appropriate scientific context for its recommendations and to shape future AMAP research direction, and has also helped inform priorities for ACAP project activities. EXPERT GROUP ON ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT (EBM) The EBM expert group has developed four background documents and a final report addressing the group s recommendations, which include a policy commitment, a definition of EBM in the Arctic, a set of principles for EBM in the Arctic, and a set of high-priority activities for coordinating and improving the EBM work of the Arctic Council. Examples include the need to develop an overarching EBM goal for the Arctic Council, implement international EBM initiatives, and ensure coordination and reporting for EBM activities of the Arctic Council and its working groups. ARCTIC RESILIENCE REPORT (ARR) The ARR was approved by Arctic Council Senior Arctic Officials as a project in November An interim report will be presented at the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Kiruna in May 2013, containing an evaluation of the current knowledge of thresholds in Arctic social-ecological systems. The expert group will continue to conduct analyses and the ARR plans to host expert workshops in 2013 and A final report will be presented in

10 ADAPTATION ACTIONS FOR A CHANGING ARCTIC (AACA) At the Arctic Council Deputy Ministers meeting in Stockholm in May 2012, the AACA was adopted as an Arctic Council project. The AACA has three components: a) a synthesis of existing climate change adaptation reports led by SDWG; b) a compilation of existing adaptation efforts oriented to identifying practical solutions led by Arctic Council representatives; and c) work to develop integrated frameworks/models to improve climate change predictions and other relevant drivers of change in the Arctic led by AMAP. COMMUNICATION STRATEGY FOR THE ARCTIC COUNCIL A communication strategy for the Arctic Council was adopted by Senior Arctic Officials in 2012 (attached as Annex 8). Since then, a permanent Contact Group on Communication has met four times. The group has identified its own role in respect to Arctic Council communications material. The group has also developed an internal newsletter, which since July 2012 has been published quarterly. Additionally, the group has discussed compiling a contact list of media representatives, an Arctic Council outreach material database and individual communication strategies for the working groups. PROJECT SUPPORT INSTRUMENT (PSI) The PSI is a financing instrument for prioritised Arctic Council projects. In , two preparatory PSI committee meetings were held to develop possible key project criteria. For , the largest amount of resource allocation, about 40 per cent, is expected to be for projects on integrated hazardous waste management and persistent organic pollutants. Budget allocation for mitigation of mercury and short-lived climate pollutants is expected to be 25 and 20 per cent respectively. 7

11 B. Arctic Council Working Groups: Report on their achievements in and work plans for ARCTIC CONTAMINANTS ACTION PROGRAM (ACAP) Mandate The objective of ACAP is to prevent adverse effects, reduce and ultimately eliminate Arctic environmental pollution. ACAP should complement existing arrangements, including legal arrangements, structures and mechanisms under the Arctic Council, such as the Regional plan of action for the protection of the Arctic marine environment from land-based activities; allow for actions on a wide range of pollution prevention issues and corresponding remediation measures; and include the identification of cooperative activities for implementation. Response to Arctic Council priorities ACAP has implemented the work plan for addressing the appropriate elements in the 2011 Nuuk Declaration. Ministers endorsed the establishment of an ACAP short-lived climate forcer contaminants project steering group to undertake circumpolar demonstration projects to reduce black carbon and other emissions of short-lived climate forcers, and encouraged countries to reduce emissions and enhance the implementation of international conventions and protocols. Several practical emission reduction projects are currently under development in ACAP, in particular on the reduction of mercury emissions and short-lived climate forcers to support global actions. ACAP is also implementing projects on emission reduction measures of obsolete pesticides and dioxins and furans in the Arctic. These projects also provide capacity building to assist countries in implementing the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Main achievements in The Short-Lived Climate Forcers and Contaminants Project Steering Group (SLCF PSG) officially started in March 2011 with a kick-off meeting on the margins of an ACAP meeting in Washington DC. The SLCFC PSG has two approved projects and several other project proposals in various stages of development and review. One project is on reduction of black carbon emissions from residential wood combustion led by Finland and Norway. The second project on the reduction of black carbon from diesel sources in the Russian Arctic Program, was launched by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Several SLCP projects are under preparation under the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO), subject to project criteria and owner/stakeholder engagement. The projects will be prepared for relevant financing. Sweden has established a SLCF Trust Fund with NEFCO, which is expected to fund projects that reduce SLCF emissions, including black carbon. Projects identified by ACAP projects steering group on SLCF will be prioritised. The US EPA has held the workshop on diesel emissions, pollution mitigation, and clean and alternative technologies in the Arctic in Moscow on two consecutive days (6 and 7 October 2011). The technical steering group for the project has been established and held its first meeting in January 2013, and the emission inventory methodology is being developed. EPA has made available USD 1 million to the fund manager of the Project Support Instrument (PSI), NEFCO, for diesel black carbon-related projects in Russia. The ACAP activities on mercury were revitalised at a meeting of mercury experts in March Senior Arctic Officials approved the Terms of Reference for ACAP mercury activities. In the ACAP mercury experts have continued to share information among members about their respective activities related to mercury and ongoing work under the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. There are currently five mercury reduction project ideas at various stages of development to become ACAP projects, including: a non-ferrous metals/zinc smelter mercury reduction project; a phase II coal-fired power plant sorbent technology project; a mercury reduction project in indus- 8

12 trial gold mining; mercury management information gathering and review in artisanal and small scale gold mining; and coordination on mercury-containing waste issues with the ACAP Integrated Hazardous Waste Management PSG. The ACAP project on dioxins and furans examined during the phase III includes a prototype demonstration of emission reduction measures at one of the potential objects identified in phase II of the project, the Vorkutinskiy Cement Plant. The PSG prepared a Terms of Reference for a feasibility study, funded by NEFCO and completed in 2012, recommending implementation of emission reduction actions combined with already planned reconstructions of the cement plant. ACAP has published technical reports to contribute to dioxin/furan emission reduction and implementation of the Stockholm Convention in Russia. The ACAP project on obsolete pesticides in Northern Russia has completed its activities on inventory and safe storage of obsolete pesticides waste in twelve Russian regions, directly impacting the Arctic. ACAP has worked on this problem since 2001 and by 2012 approximately 7,000 tons of obsolete pesticides were collected and placed under reasonable storage conditions, vastly reducing the risk of contaminants spreading to the environment. The final report, including lessons learned, will be finalised by the Arctic Council in In pesticides were repackaged in Krasnoyarsk Krai and Kamchatka. The project steering group also closely followed initiatives to develop environmentally sound pesticide destruction capacity in Russia, prepared an outreach fact sheet in Russian and a road map for the authorities to undertake similar activities in other regions. Implementation and follow-up ACAP will identify solutions to reduce sources and emissions of contaminants in the Arctic, demonstrate their effectiveness through demonstration projects and present recommendations for stakeholders to reduce contaminants in the Arctic. ACAP s experience in obsolete pesticides management has been shared through a Russian consultant in non-arctic regions (Rostov, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Kazakhstan). ACAP has also established a group to address the contamination of the indigenous communities in the Arctic. ACAP has published technical reports on its website as part of efforts to enhance transparency and knowledge-sharing. WORK PLAN ACAP addresses Arctic pollution sources, as identified by AMAP. It acts as a support mechanism to encourage national actions to reduce emissions and other releases of pollutants in the Arctic. Cooperative actions make an important and significant contribution to the overall international effort to reduce environmental damage on a global level. ACAP will develop concrete project proposals according to this mandate for approval as Arctic Council projects, taking into account the needs of indigenous populations in the Arctic. The projects identified in this work plan are those that have already been approved by ACAP as well as projects that are under development for future ACAP review and possible approval. Additional project proposals may be developed within the scope of this work plan. Implementation of the projects is subject to the availability of funds. ACAP advances approved projects and funding, including from the PSI and other funding sources. List of individual projects and activities ACAP Short-Lived Climate Forcers and Contaminants: A project on reductions of SLCF and contaminants/pollutants affecting the Arctic region will be undertaken. The range of projects will include problem scoping, and source identification via emission inventories, and analysis of instruments, measures and strategies to reduce emissions. Projects may address black carbon reduction from diesel emissions, wood stoves, wildfires, agricultural burning, industry, heating and power sectors, and build on current work by Arctic partners. A report to ministers is anticipated in Diesel black carbon reductions in the Arctic : The project aims to assess primary sources of black carbon in the Russian Arctic; develop a targeted baseline emission inventory for black carbon from diesel sources in key areas; implement targeted, on-the-ground demonstration projects for reducing black carbon from diesel; and establish policy recommendations and financing options for reducing black carbon diesel sources. Co-leads are the United States, Russia and NEFCO. 9

13 Reduction of black carbon emissions from residential wood combustion in the Arctic: The objective is to contribute to reducing emissions of black carbon from residential wood combustion in the Arctic for which funds have already been allocated. The project will compile information on black carbon emissions along with abatement instruments and measures. Phase 1: Desk study on emissions and measures for reduction of black carbon from residential wood combustion and development of recommendations. Phase 2: Undertake selected pilot projects to demonstrate the effect of the recommendations. Co-leads are Norway and Finland. SLCP projects: The projects will aim to reduce SLCP emissions in the Northern regions of Russia. Most of them are expected to cover energy efficiency and cleaner production, fuel switching, management of waste, including end-of-life equipment, and replacement or upgrading of diesel-powered stations in off-grid locations. The projects will seek cooperation with the Swedish NEFCO SLCF Trust Fund. Co-leads are Sweden, Norway, Russia and NEFCO. ACAP Mercury: The PSG will undertake projects to reduce mercury emissions affecting the Arctic region. The projects are based on the Terms of Reference of the Mercury PSG adopted by Senior Arctic Officials in Non-ferrous/Zinc Smelter Mercury Reduction: The project aims to appropriately identify, further develop and apply pollution reduction technologies to a selected pilot non-ferrous/zinc smelter including related monitoring. Co-leads: the United States, Russia and NEFCO. Phase II Coal-Fired Power Plant Sorbent Technology: This project demonstrates the mercury emission removal efficiencies of standard activated carbon and brominated carbon injection when used at power plants equipped with an electrostatic precipitator. The project also investigates the stability of the ash and sorbent residues and leaching potential of metals (mercury, selenium and arsenic) collected in the ash. The PSG will develop a proposal for a project focusing on disseminating and replicating results of this demonstration. The PSG may also develop project proposals for approval on mercury management in industrial gold mining, information gathering in artisanal and smallscale gold mining, and coordination on mercury-containing waste issues with the Integrated Hazardous Waste Management Strategy PSG. Co-leads are the United States and Russia. Environmentally sound management of obsolete pesticides in Russia: The PSG aims to reduce releases from obsolete pesticides storages affecting the Arctic region. The PSG may also develop a demonstration project on remediation of Persistant Organic Pollutants (POPs) and mercury contaminated soil in a region directly impacting the Arctic. Project proposals will be developed and presented to ACAP for approval. Phase III: Demonstration of environmentally sound destruction of obsolete pesticides: The PSG will work with Russian experts and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology to assess technologies for environmentally sound destruction of obsolete pesticides in Russia, when such capacity becomes available. Pending the approval of technologies, the project will demonstrate destruction of 100 tons of obsolete pesticides in the Arctic in an environmentally sound manner. The project will seek synergies with the Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) destruction project for management of PCBs in transformers in Russia. A report on the progress and possible results from the assessment and demonstration project is anticipated at the Arctic Council meeting in Co-leads are Finland and Russia. ACAP dioxin/furan: The PSG will undertake projects to reduce dioxin and furan emissions affecting the Arctic region. The PSG will continue to cooperate with Russian industries and promote implementation of control technologies for reduction and elimination of dioxin and furan releases at point sources including pulp and paper mills, metal industries, cement kilns and waste incineration plants in the Russian Arctic. Coordination with the work on the Barents environmental hot spots is important as well as with Russia s activities aiming at adaptation to the requirements under relevant international conventions. A report summarising the results from the work in is anticipated for the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Reduction/Elimination of Emissions of Dioxins and Furans in Russia with focus on the Arctic and Northern regions phase III: Vorkutinskiy cement plant reduction of dioxins and dust emissions and a Cleaner Production training program. PSG will also consider broadening the inventory for 10

14 further dioxin/furan sources in the Russian Arctic and continue to identify other pilots for phase III and also consider additional phase II activities. Phase III demonstration projects can be considered and implemented as part of the Integrated Hazardous Waste Management Strategy. Sweden leads the project. Integrated Hazardous Waste Management Strategy (IHWMS): The PSG aims to facilitate the development of Regional Integrated Hazardous Waste Management Strategies for Northern Regions in Russia to reduce the negative impact of hazardous wastes on the environment. The work will be based on the Terms of Reference of IHWMS PSG adopted by Senior Arctic Officials in A report to the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting is anticipated in Regional integrated hazardous waste management strategy pilot: Develop an IHWMS focusing on the 1 2 Northern pilot regions of Russia that will address disposition and destruction of collected contaminants, mercury-containing wastes, brominated flame retardants containing waste, POPs including PCBs, dioxins and furans, perfluorinated chemicals, obsolete pesticides, etc. Russia leads the project. Indigenous Peoples Contaminants Action Program (IPCAP): The PSG aims to identify important local sources of contamination in indigenous communities and propose projects to reduce indigenous communities exposure to contaminants in remote areas of the Arctic. The work is based on the Terms of Reference of IPCAP PSG adopted by Senior Arctic Officials in Baseline study on contaminant issues in indigenous communities to identify priorities: In the first phase, the project will conduct a baseline study to identify the most important sources of contamination in selected indigenous communities and facilitate projects to reduce exposure to contaminants. Based on the results, further pilot project proposals will be developed. Co-leads are Russia, Sweden and Aleut International Association (AIA). PCB: The PSG will undertake projects to reduce emissions of PCB affecting the Arctic region. Phase III: Demonstration of management and destruction of 250 tons of PCB in transformers: This project is currently awaiting permits. The PCB project work plan and associated tasks will be updated once the PSI is operational. It is anticipated that the PCB project will strive to liaise with IHWMS and the demonstration project on obsolete pesticide to achieve synergies. Co-leads are Russia, the United States and NEFCO. Potential new work areas: ACAP will consider possibilities to contribute to the follow-up of the AMAP Oil and Gas Assessment Recommendations focusing on filling information gaps regarding contamination caused by oil and gas activities on land and prevention in Arctic waters. Relevant issues for ACAP could include work on releases from oil and gas operations, data on waste disposal and contamination, as well as information on effective technologies and methods for dealing with large spills on land (remediation). The importance of preventing the contamination caused by mining activities is increasing in the Arctic regions. Pollution prevention in the use of chemicals in mining could be relevant for ACAP. Cross-cutting projects and activities ACAP will cooperate with other working groups, in particular PAME and AMAP, to exchange information on contamination in the Arctic and progress in making reductions. ACAP will also contribute to Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic (AACA) where feasible under its mandate. ACAP will continue cooperation with NEFCO to finance and facilitate implementation of ACAP projects and mobilise the PSI. Support for international activities The work of ACAP has connections to several multilateral environmental agreements, and other international processes and activities: SLCF: the Arctic Black Carbon Initiative, Global Methane Initiative, Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the Montreal Protocol. Mercury: Contribute to the objectives of the Minamata Convention and coordinate with related 11

15 work underway in the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. POPs: Contribute to the implementation of international Conventions (Stockholm, Basel, UN- ECE/CLRTAP) by continuing demonstrating practical solutions to reduce releases of POPs in the environment. Continue cooperation with Permanent Participants. Continue cooperation with other working groups and observers, notably the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and NEFCO to address hot spots in the Arctic. Communication and outreach ACAP will enhance outreach and promote solutions to reduce the contamination of the Arctic environment demonstrated in ACAP projects, among Arctic States, and relevant international organisations and financial institutions. ACAP will implement the Arctic Council Communications and Outreach Strategy adopted in 2012 and regularly update its website. Administration ACAP is chaired by Finland and Sweden is vice-chair ( ). Currently the chairmanship country also provides the secretariat services. ACAP has requested secretariat support from the Arctic Council Secretariat and provided a list of functions that could be provided. The meetings hosted on a rotating basis between the active states. The administration costs of ACAP consist of salary and travel costs of the chair and Secretariat. The PSGs hold their own meetings as necessary. 2. ARCTIC MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (AMAP) Mandate To monitor and assess the status of the Arctic region with respect to pollution and climate change by documenting the levels and trends, pathways and processes, and effects on ecosystems and humans, and to propose actions to reduce associated threats for consideration by governments. AMAP produces sound science-based, policy-relevant assessments and public outreach products to inform policy and decision-making processes. Response to Arctic Council priorities Human Dimension and Priority on Arctic Health and Human Well-being: The AMAP human health assessment group has continued its work on issues related to climate change impacts and the dietary exposure of Arctic populations to environmental contaminants and their health effects and the best means to provide communication of such risks to exposed groups. AMAP s human health group worked with SDWG s human health expert group on food security issues in the Arctic. Short-Lived Climate Forcers (SLCFs): AMAP has added tropospheric ozone and methane to the issues being addressed by two AMAP expert groups on SLCFs, one on black carbon and ozone and the other on methane. The work under the AMAP SLCF expert groups has been coordinated with and provided technical input to the Arctic Council SLCF Task Force. Mercury: The Arctic Council has continued to support UNEP mercury activities through joint UNEP/ AMAP expert group contributions to update the UNEP Global Mercury Assessment which was delivered to UNEP s Governing Council meeting in February The Arctic Council has previously called for urgent global action to reduce mercury emissions and impacts on the Arctic. Arctic States have shown leadership in these international efforts in the UNEP mercury negotiation process through release of the AMAP Mercury Assessment report and film and through Swedish interventions on behalf of the Arctic Council. These actions led to the adoption on 19 January 2013 of a global agreement, the Minamata Convention, to reduce mercury emissions and releases. 12

16 Science and Monitoring: Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) is co-sponsored by the Arctic Council (coordinated through AMAP) and the International Artic Science Committee (IASC). The SAON vision is that users should have access to free, open and high quality data that will realise pan-arctic and global value-added services and provide societal benefits. To achieve that vision, SAON s goal is to enhance Arctic-wide observing activities by facilitating partnerships and synergies among existing building blocks, and to promote sharing and synthesis of data and information. AMAP has continued to represent the Arctic Council and provide Secretariat support to the SAON initiative. Senior Arctic Officials shall provide the Chair of the SAON Board. Main achievements in Arctic Ocean Acidification Assessment (AOA): The AOA is the result of three years of work by an AMAP expert group assessing the most recent information on ocean acidification in the Arctic region and its possible consequences. A short executive summary for policy-makers containing the main findings of the assessment and policy-relevant recommendations was presented to the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in May 2013, together with an electronic version of the full science report and films presenting the results. A scientific conference on AOA was held in Bergen, Norway, on 6 8 May 2013 and a layman s overview report will be released. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Over the last 4 5 years an AMAP expert group has evaluated the scientific use and operation of UAS within the Arctic region. All Arctic States have recognised the potential use of UAS for scientific purposes and the need to establish regulations that ensure safe operations and allow cross-border flights of UAS. A report has been prepared by the expert group, which also includes representatives of national civilian aviation authorities. Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic part c (AACA-c): The purpose of the AACA-c project is to develop integrated regional reports on the combined effects of change, with emphasis on improved predictive capability. The AACA-c will deliver three integrated regional reports produced in close consultation with stakeholders (Northern communities, local governments, indigenous peoples organisations, industry, etc). The focus will be on producing information to assist local decision-makers and stakeholders in three pilot regions in developing adaptation tools and strategies to better deal with climate change and other pertinent environmental stressors. Other key products include improved regional climate modelling, future socio-economic scenarios and the identification of key regional stressors and drivers that contribute to cumulative impacts. An implementation plan has been developed and initial activities have been undertaken. Climate scenarios are the backbone of the AACA-c project. In October 2012 a climate scenario workshop was held in Seattle, United States, to discuss short-term and long-term projections and scenarios for climate change in the Arctic. A second workshop, held on April 2013 in St Petersburg broadened the work done at the Seattle workshop on projections on increased temperature and ice-melting to include consequences for terrestrial and marine ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, transport, socio-economic adaptations, etc. The outcome of the workshop will set the framework for future action. Three geographical areas have been proposed for regional implementation activities: 1) Barents and adjacent coastal and land areas; 2) Bering Sea/Chukchi Sea/Beaufort Sea and adjacent coastal and land areas; and 3) David Strait/Baffin Bay and adjacent coastal and land areas. Finally, based on inputs received from Arctic States, the following have been identified as priority sectors in the implementation work: industrialisation/mining/energy; transportation and shipping; tourism; fisheries; integrity of ecosystem services; and water and food availability and quality. AMAP will coordinate with other Arctic Council working groups and international science organisations in carrying out this work. 13

17 Implementation and follow-up Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic (SWIPA): SWIPA is AMAP s coordinated assessment of climate change and its effects on snow, water, ice and permafrost that underlines the speed of change in the Arctic cryosphere and its cascading effects on Arctic ecosystems and living conditions. The speed and extent of change and effects of climate change are exacerbated by other changes within the Arctic, reinforcing calls for improved predictive capability at all levels in the Arctic systems as a basis for adaptation and sustainable development (see AACA-c above). AMAP has conducted additional SWIPA-communications and outreach activities including the production of a short summary for use in education (in English and translated into Danish, Greenlandic and Japanese) and the SWIPA Overview report. SWIPA results have been communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and are being used in the preparation of the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment. Contributions to the work of other Arctic Council working groups: AMAP has contributed to the work of the Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) Task Force and the PAME EBM-group; led the production of the Arctic Marine Pollution chapter of the PAME-led Arctic Ocean Review; prepared parts of the AMSA IIc report; and contributed to the development of the CAFF-led CBMP. Contributions to work under other international fora: Results provided under AMAP have been presented at several international meetings and conferences. AMAP assessment follow-up: AMAP has conducted a review of the follow-up work resulting from past assessments, including a detailed review of the follow-up of the 2007 Oil and Gas Assessment (OGA) recommendations at the national level and by Arctic Council working groups and other bodies. This work has contributed to the implementation of part a) and b) of the AACA project. List of individual projects and activities WORK PLAN Trends and Effects Monitoring Program: AMAP will carry out its monitoring and assessment implementation plan in accordance with the approved AMAP Strategic Framework for Arctic monitoring and research activities: As part of its ongoing work, AMAP will continue to coordinate, based largely on national programs, to provide the information necessary for assessment of relevant issues such as: spatial and temporal trends in levels of contaminants in Arctic ecosystems including humans; biological/ecological effects of contaminants and associated trends, including human health effects; climate change, including ocean acidification, SLCFs and cryosphere; effects of climate variability and change; improved predictive capacity through increased observations, research and understanding of processes governing changes in the Arctic; human and ecosystem health effects; and combined effects of contaminants, climate change and other stressors, including effects on humans. AMAP will continue to coordinate and deal with new activities to ensure appropriate data reporting and archiving, including reporting of data to AMAP Thematic Data Centres. AMAP will cooperate with international partners and arrange workshops to improve monitoring capability, including the use of remote sensing. Ongoing and planned assessments Adaptation Actions for a Changing Arctic part C: Work will continue on Arctic-focused climate and integrated environmental frameworks/models that can improve predictions of climate change and other relevant drivers of Arctic change in order to improve predictions and inform the development and implementation of adaptation actions by Arctic States and Permanent Participants. An inter- 14

18 im report will be presented in 2015, other products are anticipated during , and final integrated reports will be produced in The main work in phases 2 and 3 will be organised around workshops starting in mid-2013, with follow-up in 2014, with experts, indigenous and local peoples, governments and stakeholders, focusing on the selected regions and prioritised sectors. These will clarify the basis for adaptation strategies to meet user needs and analyse consequences that may occur in relation to combined effects on ecosystems and socio-economic development. Information for relevant sectors will be compiled and evaluated, and integrated regional reports and other products will be prepared to improve predictive capability of the consequences of climate change and other relevant drivers of change. SLCF Expert Group: AMAP will update its assessment to include scientific data and information on black carbon, methane and tropospheric ozone from sources inside and outside the Arctic. Updated scientific assessment reports will be presented at the Ministerial meeting in 2015 and the work will be well coordinated with the new Task Force for Action on Black Carbon and Methane. Human Dimension and Priority on Arctic Health and Human Well-being: The human health assessment group will continue to work with SDWG s human health expert group on issues of joint concern and plans to produce an update to the 2009 AMAP Human Health Report in time for release at the Ministerial meeting in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Expert Group: AMAP will continue its work on safety guidelines and demonstrate the use of UAS in cross-jurisdictional environmental monitoring. Other: As part of its ongoing work, AMAP will determine the need for follow-up activities and products in relation to its previous work and develop plans for such activities as needed. Follow-up activities and products may be undertaken for the Oil and Gas Assessment (OGA), SWIPA, AOA, and mercury assessments. Other AMAP-relevant issues, such as POPs, radioactivity, human health, contaminant transport and fate, will be updated. AMAP will continue to evaluate emerging issues of concern related to pollution and climate change and their effects on Arctic ecosystems and human populations. Cross-cutting projects and activities Food and Water Security project: The AMAP Human Health Assessment Group and the SDWG Arctic Human Health Expert Group are jointly developing this project for review and consideration by Senior Arctic Officials. Arctic Marine Strategic Plan: AMAP will contribute to an update of the 2004 plan with PAME. Arctic Ocean Review: AMAP will contribute to any potential follow-up related to pollution and climate change issues with PAME. AACA part c: AMAP is leading the work on this part, which will be developed in collaboration with other relevant Arctic Council working groups and international science organisations. Ecosystem-Based Management Initiative: AMAP will continue to implement this initiative, as appropriate with other relevant Arctic Council working groups. Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Plan: AMAP will continue to cooperate with CAFF in the further development of this plan to ensure consistency with the AMAP monitoring guidelines and plans, and on follow-up on the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment. SAON: AMAP will contribute to the implementation of the SAON and continue to co-lead its development on behalf of the Arctic Council, together with the IASC. The AMAP Secretariat, together with the IASC Secretariat, will continue to provide secretariat support. Support for international activities AMAP s science results and information: As part of its continuing work AMAP will participate in relevant international meetings and symposia to communicate its ongoing activities as needed. 15